of Little Rock, AR
March 30, 1933 - December 27, 2024
Earl Dean Hillard
March 30, 1933 December 27, 2024
Earl Hillard was a good, kind, and dear man. He never met a stranger, and was the first to welcome a newcomer. He was always happy to help in any situation whatever the need. He had joy in his heart and a twinkle in his eyes. Family and friends will forever remember his kindness, compassion and positive nature.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 25 at 2:00 pm at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 12415 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR, including music at 1:30 pm, Holy Communion at 2:00 pm followed by Air Force Military Honors Service, and internment in the church's columbarium. Visitation and Reception at approximately 3:30 pm following internment. Earl's family invites you to join in all components of the afternoon or participate as your schedule permits.
Earl was born in Casey, Illinois, and his family later moved to Cisne, Illinois. Earl joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and after 20 years of service he retired in 1971 as a Senior Master Sergeant. His last station was the Pentagon in Washington D.C. It was his military retirement that brought him back to Arkansas, a place that he loved for its natural beauty. As a civilian Earl enjoyed a career in computing services first at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences and later at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Earl loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker, canoeist, and camper. He was a long time member of The Arkansas Canoe Club, The Ozark Society, and helped to build a section of the Buffalo River Trail. Earl enjoyed gardening and was a Master Gardner volunteer. He was a volunteer firefighter of West Pulaski Fire Department Station Four. Throughout his life Earl was a handyman and enjoyed tinkering, fixing, and building.
A long-time member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, he served multiple terms as a Vestry member, and was a member of the Pastoral Care Ministry Team. His faith was strengthened through service in the Episcopal Cursillo Movement in Arkansas. Earl did not simply talk about his faith, but rather, he lived it through worship, selfless service, and igniting the love of Christ in others.
Of all of the things that he loved in this life, Earl loved his wife, Millie, with great joy and devotion. Wherever Earl was Millie was close by, and vice versa. It was always Earl and Millie, Millie and Earl.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents Charles E. Hillard and Inez M. Robinson Hillard.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Mildred Nesbit Hillard, his children Cheryl Hillard Markham (Jay) and Duke Hillard (Faustine), stepsons Mason Murphey and Beau Murphey (Lee), and grandchildren Aidan Murphey and Sabrina Murphey. Also survived by his brother Durward Hillard (Becky), and treasured caregivers Alison Rodgers and Kitty Koon.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to St. Michael's Episcopal Church (saintmichaelslr.org), The Ozark Society (ozarksociety.net/donate/), West Pulaski Fire Department Station Four (wpfirerescue.org), and Camp Mitchell (campmitchell.org/give).
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16 Condolence(s)
Mallory Mathis
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
You and Mrs Millie will always hold a special place in my heart.
Martha Sharp
Sunday, January 19, 2025
I met Earl and Millie through some church activities. We took a class together in Conway. I would pick them up as I don’t live very far from their home. He was just the nicest man. My condolences to the family.
Steve and Meribeth Heye
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Earl and Millie were such a treat to be with on Ozark Society outings. I remember times on hikes and float trips. Earl would tell tales of adventures around all the bases he was stationed at in his career.
After some probing around a fire on a Buffalo River trip, it turned out that Earl and Millie danced at the same Square Dance Club with my parents in Omaha. He said it was always a fun time with the Ralston Checkerboard Squares because of the caller they had. I knew exactly who he spoke of as I was in the same school class as the caller’s daughter. We would trade Omaha stories all the time after that on outings.
Rebecca Dobbs
Friday, January 17, 2025
Dear Sweet Cheryl,
I feel blessed to have met you and Earl while we journey along the same path of nurturing and caring for our loved ones. I will never forget the kindness your dad showed my mom when she was scared and upset by her new surroundings. Your dad reaching his hand out to comfort my mom meant so much to her and to me…and the kindness he would show her every time they saw each other. My love and prayers are with you as you find comfort in knowing your dad is at peace and rejoicing in his new home. Always, Rebecca
A Place At Home
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Earl, you were dear to us, and it was a pleasure knowing you. No more suffering. We will always remember your kindness and smile. Praying for Millie, Cheryl, and the rest of the family and friends. Rest in love.
Brittni Horne
Thursday, January 16, 2025
Such a wonderful human being he was!! Kind spirit, warm heart and great personality.. he will be truely missed! It was such a blessing to know him.
Brenda Everett
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
I remember Uncle Earl from my early childhood and recognized his smile immediately in this picture. He served his country nobly and that attitude of honor and service is so present in you, Cheryl. Thank you, Cheryl, for honoring your family by your care for him and the others you have loved well.
Elisa Armstrong
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Such a delightful individual. A sense of humor, a smile through struggles; a hero in so many ways. Earl is one of the favorite encounters I experienced through my career. To his lovely family and his wife Millie; my sincere love to each of you
Elisa Armstrong
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Such a delightful individual. A sense of humor, a smile through struggles; a hero in so many ways. Earl is one of the favorite encounters I experienced through my career. To his lovely family and his wife Millie; my sincere love to each of you
Lori Sprague
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Dear Cheryl—
I’m so sorry for your loss. You will always carry your dad’s kind heart inside you.
…Lori
Sandra Boyd
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Cheryl, as we have talked, Earl was one of my favorite brothers. I always looked up to him.
He was so good to Mom & Dad. They adored him too.
He was so helpful with the VA during a very bad time for me. I will always be grateful.
I was glad to be able to visit with him this summer. The same Earl was in there as we recalled memories. The twinkle was still there.
You are a blessing to him and Millie.
The boys send their condolences.
Love always, Aunt Sandy.
Judy Jaques
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Cheryl you have been there for your Dad and loved him well. Your caring heart is so big. Earl was a kind and caring soul.
Love you
Aunt Judy and Uncle Larry
Jan K Alexander
Monday, January 13, 2025
Cheryl, so sorry for your loss.
David Michael
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss. I know you and Jay have served your dad well with love and care. Our prayers are with you.
David & Kay.
Matthew and Lauri Lane
Sunday, January 12, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace! Prayers
Alison Rodgers
Sunday, January 12, 2025
I love you much papa Earl. We miss you dearly ! Thank you allowing me to take care of you and Millie for 4 years. You mean so much to me. Thank you for the unconditional love you had for me & my kids. Thank you for the hugs & the laughs! I know we all have a date to be called home but I just wasn’t ready for you to go. Get your rest papa, see you later.